Adjustable paddle

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to adjustable kayak paddles. One disclosed embodiment provides a paddle including a first shaft section having an outer surface with one or more indicia and a second shaft section angularly positionable relative to the first shaft section about a paddle axis, the second shaft section being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first shaft section is provided. The second shaft section further includes a viewing opening configured to permit viewing of one or more of the indicia therethrough when the first and second shaft sections are coupled together. The paddle further includes a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at a plurality of angular positions.

BACKGROUND

Paddles are commonly used to propel watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up surfboards in the water. Kayak paddles may have feathered blades to reduce wind resistance while paddling, as well as enable the paddler to perform more ergonomic paddles strokes, when compared to unfeathered paddles. The term “feather” refers to the angular offset of the paddle blades.

Paddlers may prefer different degrees of feather depending on their paddling style, biomechanics, the type of watercraft they are using, and environmental conditions in which they are paddling. Therefore, adjustable paddles have been developed to enable the paddler to choose and adjust a desired degree of blade offset. However, accurately selecting and reproducing desired offset settings may pose difficulties, as adjustable paddles may rely on the user's visual perception to gauge the degree of offset.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to adjustable kayak paddles. One disclosed embodiment provides a paddle including a first shaft section having an outer surface with one or more indicia and a second shaft section angularly positionable relative to the first shaft section about a paddle axis, the second shaft section being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first shaft section is provided. The second shaft section further includes a viewing opening configured to permit viewing of one or more of the indicia therethrough when the first and second shaft sections are coupled together. The paddle further includes a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at a plurality of angular positions.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an adjustable paddle.

FIG. 2 shows a view of first and second shaft sections of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the indicia on the first shaft section shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the first and second shaft sections of FIG. 2 coupled together.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the first and second shaft sections of FIG. 2, and also illustrates an embodiment of a coupler configured to releasably secure the first and second shaft sections.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the first and second shaft sections of FIG. 2 coupled together.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an adjustable paddle.

FIG. 8 shows a view of first and second shaft sections of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, it may be difficult to determine an angle at which sections of an adjustable paddle are joined. Thus, various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to adjustable paddles having a viewing opening that permits viewing of indicia indicating the offset of the shaft sections when two sections of the paddle are attached. This may permit a user to quickly determine the degree of shaft offset when the sections of the paddler are attached. In this way, a user may quickly and accurately adjust the paddle to have a desired degree of offset between kayak paddle blades, between a paddle grip and paddle blade of a canoe paddle or stand-up paddle, etc. Further, in the disclosed embodiments, the angle-indicating indicia are protected within the paddle shaft coupling during use. As a result, the indicia may be protected from damage during use, which will increase the lifetime of such indicia when compared to paddles having indicia on an outer surface of the paddle shaft.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a paddle 100 in the form of a kayak paddle. As shown, the paddle 100 comprises a first shaft section 102 and a second shaft section 104. Each of the shaft sections includes a corresponding blade, shown at 106 for the first shaft section 102 and at 108 for the second shaft section. While depicted in the form of a kayak paddle, it will be understood that the paddle may take any other suitable form, including but not limited to a single bladed canoe, paddle, a stand-up paddle configured for stand-up surfboard paddling, etc.

The first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104 are angularly positionable relative to one another about a paddle axis 110, enabling the angular offset of the paddle blades to be adjusted based on a user's preference. The second shaft section 104 further includes a viewing opening 112 configured to permit viewing of angle-indicating indicia on an outer surface 200 of the first shaft section 102, such a selected indicia viewable through the viewing opening 112 indicates a current angle of offset between paddle blades.

The paddle 100 further may include a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section 102 with the second shaft section 104 at a plurality of angular positions. The coupler includes a retainer 114 configured to releasably secure the first and second shaft sections together. Embodiments of the coupler and retainer are described below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 2 shows portions of the first and second shaft sections 102 and 104 in a disassembled state. The first shaft section 102 includes is shown having a plurality of indicia 202 on its outer surface 200. The indicia may be printed or applied to the first shaft section 102 in any suitable manner. For example, the indicia may be etched, printed, molded, applied as a decal via an adhesive, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the indicia 202 are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the paddle axis 110. This may allow the indicia to be easily viewed when the paddle is held in an intended manner. However, other orientations may be used in other embodiments. The portion of the outer surface 200 on which the indicia 202 are located may be inset relative to an adjacent portion 204 of the outer surface of the paddle section. This may help to avoid abrading the indicia as the shaft sections are slid relative to one another.

The depicted indicia 202 include angle-indicating indicia in the form of numerical values specifying an offset between the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104. In this way, the indicia may enable a paddler to quickly recognize the degree of feather of the paddle without separating the shaft section. The depicted numerical values are expressed as offsets in each direction from a base value of zero degrees, but may be expressed in any other suitable manner. It further will be understood that the zero degree mark may correspond to any suitable base angle between paddle blades, including zero and non-zero angles.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the viewing opening 112 extends through an outer wall 208 defining a hollow interior sized to receive the portion of the first shaft section 102 having the indicia. When assembled, the first shaft section 102 may extend into the second shaft section 104 until a larger diameter outer surface 210 of the first shaft section meets the second shaft section. The larger diameter outer surface 210 of the first shaft section 102 may have a same diameter as the second shaft section 104 to form a smooth joint between the shaft sections.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the depicted embodiment of indicia 202. The depicted indicia 202 include numerical values 300 extending in a range from 0-60 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions about the paddle axis 110. The depicted numerical values 300 are spaced in increments of fifteen degrees. In other embodiments, any other suitable indicia having any other suitable increment interval(s) and range may be used. For example, the range may be from 0-90 degrees in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction.

The depicted indicia 202 also include an “L” indicia 301 and an “R” indicia 302, indicating a direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise about the paddle axis) of blade offset. Paddles having a clockwise offset may be referred to as left handed control paddles. Hence, the “L” indicia 301 is spaced away from a “0” indicia 304 in the clockwise direction (with reference to a direction along the paddle section from coupler 500 toward the paddle blade). Likewise, paddles having a counterclockwise offset may be referred to as righted handed control paddles. Hence the “R” indicia 302 is spaced away from the “0” indicia 304 in a counterclockwise direction. The control hand of the paddle refers to the hand of a paddler that rotates the paddle shaft while paddling to align the feathered paddle blades correctly for a paddle stroke.

The plurality of indicia 202 may include any other suitable indicia than those described above. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the indicia 202 include an arrow symbol 306 and the words “PULL STRAIGHT” to instruct a user how to disassemble the paddle and adjust the paddle offset.

FIG. 4 shows the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104 as assembled. As shown, the viewing opening 112 permits viewing of a number indicating the relative offset of the paddle blades. In the depicted example, the blades are set at a “0” degree offset from a base offset. It will be understood that a different symbol would be shown if the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104 were coupled at a different angular offset. In the depicted embodiment, the viewing opening 112 enables viewing of a single symbol through the opening. However, in other embodiments, more than one indicia may be visible through the viewing opening 112.

In some embodiments, a substantially transparent protective element 402, indicated via a dashed line, may extend across the viewing opening 112. The protective element 402 may serve as a barrier to water and other external elements (e.g., sand, dirt, etc.), while still enabling viewing of the indicia 400 through the viewing opening 112. In this way, the likelihood of water or other elements entering the interior shaft during use may be reduced. The protective element 402 may be attached to or integrated into to the second shaft section 104 in any suitable manner, including but not limited to via an adhesive, as an insert included in the paddle shaft during molding or layup of composite material layers, etc.

In some embodiments, the protective element 402 may include a magnifying element 404 configured to magnify displayed indicia. The magnifying element 404 may comprise a lens or other suitable optical element configured to increase the perceived size of the indicia 400. Such a lens may facilitate viewing of small-sized indicia.

As mentioned above, the paddle 100 may comprise a coupler for holding the first shaft section 102 and second shaft section 104 at a desired angle of offset, and also for securing the first and second shaft sections together in an axial direction. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of a coupler 500 configured to allow discrete adjust of an angular offset between the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104. In other embodiments the coupler 500 may be configured to allow continuous adjustment of the angular offset between the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104.

The depicted coupler 500 comprises a first component 502 included in the first shaft section 102 and a second component 504 included in the second shaft section 104. The first component 502 includes a plurality of receptacles 506, and the second component includes a plurality of protrusions 508 operable to extend into the receptacles 506 to position the second shaft section relative to the first shaft section 102 and to prevent the second shaft section 104 from turning relative to the first shaft section. The first component 502 may be integrated into or otherwise coupled to the first shaft section 102 such that the relative position between the first component 502 and the first shaft section 102 is fixed. Likewise, the second component 504 may be integrated into or otherwise coupled to the second shaft section 104 and the relative position between the second shaft section 104 and second component 504 is fixed. It will be understood that a coupler may include any number and configuration of protrusions configured to couple with any suitable number and configurations of receptacles. It further will be understood that any other suitable coupler may be used to join the first shaft section 102 and the second shaft section 104.

As mentioned above, the coupler 500 may include a retainer 114 configured to lock the first shaft section 102 and second shaft section 104 axially. In this way, the retainer prevents the first component 502 from moving away from the second component 504 along the paddle axis 110 unless and until a user elects to separate the sections. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the depicted retainer 114 comprises a hook 600 configured to engage a complementary lip 602 within an interior of the first shaft section 102 to hold the first and second shaft sections together. Further, a spring 604 may apply force to the hook 600 to bias the hook in an engaged position. This may help to reducing the likelihood of the hook 600 disengaging from the lip 602.

To unlock the coupler 500, a top 606 of the retainer 114 may be pressed to disengage the hook 600 from the lip 602. The first shaft section 102 and second shaft section 104 may then be pulled apart sufficiently far to disengage the first component 502 of the coupler from the second component 504, and allow the paddle sections to be angularly adjusted. After adjustment, the paddle sections may be pressed together again to engage the first component 502 and the second component 504, and to cause the hook 600 to engage the lip 602 via spring force. In this way, a user may quickly and easily adjust the degree of feather of the paddle. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, any other suitable mechanism may be used to secure the first shaft section 102 to the second shaft section 104, including but not limited to a threaded compression collar mechanism disposed over the joint between shafts.

In some instances, a paddle may have an adjustable length instead of, or in addition to, an adjustable feather. For example, a stand-up paddle configured for paddling a stand-up board may have an adjustable length shaft to allow a paddler to adapt the paddle length to different paddling conditions, to allow different paddlers to use a single paddle, etc. Likewise, a kayak paddle also may have an adjustable length. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an adjustable paddle 700 in the form of a stand-up paddle having a first shaft section 702 and a second shaft section 704. The second shaft section 704 includes a viewing opening 706 configured to permit viewing of an indicia on the first shaft, a plurality of which are shown at 800 in FIG. 8, corresponding to a current length of the paddle. Continuing with FIG. 7, a single blade 708 is disposed on an end of the second shaft section 704, and a grip 710 that can be grasped by a paddler during use is disposed on an end of the first shaft section 702.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of indicia 800. As shown, the indicia 800 include numerical values specifying the length of the paddle shaft when a corresponding indicia is visible through the viewing opening 706. The depicted indicia 800 include numerical values ranging from 76 to 80 in increments of 2, wherein the units are inches. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments any other suitable range, incremental value, and/or units may be used.

The first shaft section 702 and the second shaft section 704 may be releasably coupled together at a plurality of axial positions via a coupler 712. In the depicted embodiment, the axial positions are located at discrete distance values, but may be continuous in other embodiments. Coupler 712 comprises a retainer 802 configured to selectively extend into openings 804, thereby fixing the relative axial position of the first and second shaft sections 702 and 704 at a desired axial position. As shown, the openings 804 axially extend down the second shaft section 704, but may have any other suitable positions. A spring (not shown) may be coupled to the retainer 802 to urge retainer back into set position when a force is applied to the retainer. To adjust the paddle length, a paddler may first release the retainer 802 by pressing the top surface 806 of the retainer 802, and then moving the first and/or second shaft sections 702 and 704 in an axial direction.

It should be understood that the embodiments herein are illustrative and not restrictive, as the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various configurations, features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof. 

1. A paddle, comprising: a first shaft section including an outer surface having one or more indicia; a second shaft section positionable relative to the first shaft section, the second shaft section being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first shaft section and including a viewing opening configured to permit viewing of one or more of the indicia therethrough when the first shaft section and the second shaft section are coupled together; and a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at a plurality of positions.
 2. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the second shaft section is angularly positionable relative to the first shaft section about a paddle axis and the coupler is operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at a plurality of angular positions.
 3. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the second shaft section is axially positionable relative to the first shaft section on the paddle axis and the coupler is operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at a plurality of discrete axial positions, and the indicia relates to a length of a paddle shaft.
 4. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the indicia comprise a numerical value specifying an offset between a first paddle blade on the first shaft section and a second paddle blade on the second shaft section.
 5. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the indicia comprise a plurality of numerical values corresponding to a plurality of discrete angular positions at which the coupler is configured to couple the first shaft section and the second shaft section.
 6. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the indicia are located on an inset portion of the outer surface of the first shaft section.
 7. The paddle of claim 1, further comprising a protective element extending across the viewing opening.
 8. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the protective element comprises a magnifying element.
 9. A paddle, comprising: a first shaft section including an outer surface having a plurality of angle-indicating indicia; a second shaft section angularly positionable relative to the first shaft section about a paddle axis at a plurality of angular positions, the second shaft section being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first shaft section, and the second shaft section including a viewing opening configured to permit viewing of a selected angle-indicating indicia therethrough when the first shaft section and the second shaft section are at a corresponding selected angular position; and a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at any of the angular positions.
 10. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the coupler comprises a first component included in the first shaft section of the paddle and having a receptacle, and a second component included in the second shaft section of the paddle and including a protrusion operable to extend into the receptacle of the first component to position the second shaft section relative to the first shaft section and to prevent the second shaft section from turning relative to the first shaft section.
 11. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the angle-indicating indicia comprise numerical values within a range of 0 to 90 degrees in each of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.
 12. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the first shaft section includes a first paddle blade and the second shaft section includes a second paddle blade, and wherein each angle-indicating indicia indicates a degree of offset between the first paddle blade and the second paddle blade at each corresponding discrete angular position.
 13. The paddle of claim 9, further comprising a protective element extending across the viewing opening.
 14. The paddle of claim 13, wherein the protective element comprises a magnifying element configured to magnify the selected angle-indicating indicia.
 15. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the viewing opening is configured to permit viewing of a single angle-indicating indicia.
 16. A paddle, comprising: a first shaft section including a first paddle blade, the first shaft section comprising an outer surface having a plurality of angle-indicating indicia indicating a degree of offset between the first paddle blade and a second paddle blade; a second shaft section angularly positionable relative to the first shaft section about a paddle axis, the second shaft section including the second paddle blade and being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first shaft section and including a viewing opening configured to permit viewing of a selected angle-indicating indicia therethrough when the first shaft section and the second shaft section are at a corresponding discrete angular position; and a coupler operable to releasably couple the first shaft section with the second shaft section at each of the discrete predetermined angular positions.
 17. The paddle of claim 16, further comprising a protective element extending across the opening.
 18. The paddle of claim 17, wherein the transparent element comprises a magnifying element configured to magnify the selected angle-indicating indicia.
 19. The paddle of claim 16, wherein the coupler comprises a first component included in the first shaft section of the paddle and including a receptacle, and a second component included in the second shaft section of the paddle and including a protrusion operable to extend into the receptacle of the first component to position the second shaft section relative to the first shaft section and to prevent the second shaft section from turning relative to the first shaft section.
 20. The paddle of claim 16, wherein the angle-indicating indicia comprise numerical values. 